SAN ANTONIO – The family of a woman murdered almost three years ago wants to see more safety measures put in place to better protect convenience store employees.
Pollyanna “Pam” Smotherman was working alone at an EZ Mart in Garden Ridge on July 29, 2020, when a still-unidentified man walked in, shot her, and left with an undisclosed amount of money and lottery tickets.
“What I’m trying to do is prevent any further harm or death for these convenience store employees,” Smotherman’s sister, Harriett Rehman, said.
Rehman is pushing for change and has written to local, state and federal lawmakers to see if anybody can help push legislation that would better protect convenience store employees.
Of all the emails and letters sent, Rehman said no one has responded.
“Why can I not get in touch with lawmakers for something that’s actually doable or foreseeable for the protection of those that serve us,” Rehman said.
The changes she wants to see implemented include closing convenience stores close at certain hours, and if that can’t be done, then adding teller-like drawers to the outside so people can’t walk in or adding bulletproof areas for employees.
Rehman wants lawmakers to know that she isn’t going anywhere and will continue to push for a response and for change.
“I think of my sister every day before I go to bed,” Rehman said. “I have her pictures right outside on the wall and every day I look at her and I just tell her I’m not going to quit.”
The shooter has yet to be identified and is described as a male in his 20s-30s. He was wearing a black shirt, dark pants and a red bandana over his face at the time of the crime, police said. He was also carrying a tote bag.
Anyone with information can call the Garden Ridge Police Department at 210-651-6441 or Comal County Crime Stoppers at 830-620-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be left online at http://comalcrimestoppers.org/ or via “P3 Tips” smartphone app available on iOS and Android devices.